The League of Women Voters' guide to candidates for the general election CAMPAIGN 1994

October 30, 1994

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that works to promote political reponsibility through the informed and active participation of citizens in their governemnt. The League does not support or oppose any political party or candidate.

The candidates' answers appear as submitted in reponse to a nonpartisan questionnaire. If answers exceeded the specified word limitation, the additional words were cut where practical, or at the end of the candidate's statement. All candidates were asked the same questions as other candidates running for the same office.

An asterisk (*) denotes incumbents.

The League assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. This guide was produced by The Sun in cooperation with the League.

GENERAL ELECTION: Tuesday, Nov. 8

, POLLS OPEN: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

CANDIDATES FOR GOVERNOR

At the request of The Sun, each candidate was asked to respond to this question in 100 words or less:

Taxes: What is your position on taxes, especially as taxes relate to state government and the state's economy?

Candidates also were asked these questions by the League of Women Voters, with answers limited to 50 words:

Growth Management: What should be the role of the state government in regulating land use and managing growth, considering the impacts on economic development, on private property rights, and on degradation or preservation of the environment?

Schools: To what extent should state financing be used to offset inequities in local funding of education? What are your views on privatization?

Welfare: How would you reform the welfare system to reduce long-term dependence on it without jeopardizing the well-being of children?

Taxes: As Governor, I will hold the line on taxes and will work to reduce targeted taxes that impede business growth. During my term as Prince George's County Executive, we have reduced six separate business taxes, including the research and development equipment tax, the transfer tax and the property tax. Maryland's tax on high-tech research and development equipment should be eliminated completely. During my first six months in office, we will conduct a thorough review of all taxes and regulations, seeking to reduce or eliminate those with anti-competitive effects.

Growth Management: Maryland should have a strong policy of directed growth to reduce sprawl, using incentives as we have in Prince George's County where we have a five-year property tax credit for investment in targeted older communities. Every state program should be reviewed to determine if it encourages sprawl or revitalization.

Schools: We must seek adequate funding to meet potential of every child and reduce funding disparities. To accomplish this in an affordable manner, spending priorities must be changed. Though I have serious concerns about the viability of privatization as an effective school reform measure, I would not prevent local jurisdictions from pursuing this course.

Welfare: By encouraging responsible behavior and providing quality education, effective job training, child care and health care coverage, we can make welfare a hand up instead of a handout. Good paying jobs with advancement opportunities are the best incentive to get people off of welfare.

Health Care: I believe that all Marylanders are entitled to reasonable, affordable health care, which should be funded in a way that does not harm business and job growth. I also support prenatal care, family planning and Medicaid funding for abortion.

Crime: We need to put more police on the streets and expand community-based policing, improve Maryland's education system and increase economic opportunity, and support community crime prevention efforts such as boot camps, juvenile justice reform, drug treatment. I support ban on all assault weapons, and requiring licensing for purchase of new handguns.